Orzo Pasta Recipe with Spinach and Parmesan (2024)

FAQs

How many cups of orzo per person? ›

You can measure out orzo and should plan on about 1/4 cup (or 2 ounces) dry pasta per person. Orzo will more than double in size when cooked so don't worry, there will be enough.

Orzo can be an ingredient in soup, including avgolemono, a Greek soup, and in Italian soups like minestrone. It can also be part of a salad, a pilaf, or giouvetsi, or baked in a casserole. It can also be boiled and lightly fried, to create a dish similar to risotto.

Though orzo is shaped like rice, it is actually a pasta. Further confusing the two, sometimes orzo makes its way into rice-centric dishes such as rice pilaf and casseroles. But, even when it is gluten-free, orzo remains part of the pasta family.

The best orzo pasta replacements are fregola pasta, stellette pasta, macaroni pasta, ditalini pasta, and alphabet pasta. They're all very small and have a similar texture to orzo when cooked.

If you've already cooked your spaghetti, and you're wondering how to dole out servings, one cup of cooked pasta is a serving. Pile up your plate, slather on some sauce, and get to slurping.

It cooks to al dente in about 8 to 10 minutes. 1 cup raw orzo (about 6 oz) will give you about 2 cups cooked. If you want a slightly creamier result, orzo can be cooked as you would rice. Boil 1/2 cups water for each cup orzo.

As a part of balanced meals, orzo can be healthy. It supplies carbs and protein as energy sources. Whole-grain orzo is said to have more nutrients and fiber. Gluten-free versions are also there for those with gluten issues.

Since orzo is a whole grain pasta, it offers a few health benefits. However, these health benefits make it better than other regular pasta. However, to make an orzo meal nutritious, combine it with healthy and nutritious foods like vegetables, chicken, etc.

Orzo is commonly made from white flour, but it can be made from whole-grain flour as well, making it a healthier pasta option.

Orzo is a type of pasta that's similar to rice in shape, size, and texture. Whole-wheat orzo packs more fiber and protein than regular orzo, which makes it the healthier choice. Still, it's fairly high in calories, providing about 50% more calories than an equal serving of white rice.

What is the healthiest orzo? ›

In more good news, there are whole-grain versions of orzo available. They can be somewhat harder to find, so an online grocer or retailer is a good option. Whole grains are rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber that help reduce your risk of developing certain diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

Orzo and asparagus are low-glycemic foods, making this recipe great for those who need to control their blood sugar.

If you're making a soup or stew, rice can work well as a substitution for orzo pasta. However, you may want to cook the rice separately before adding it. Rice is so starchy that when cooked with the broth, it will thicken considerably. That said, you can always offset this by adding more liquid.

Orzo and rice are not exact substitutions. Their differing textures ensure that your final dish will have a different quality if you substitute one for the other. You'll also find that the cooking times and temperatures for each vary widely. Orzo has a creamier and softer texture than rice.

You can use cauliflower rice as a substitute for orzo pasta dishes since it has a similar texture. It's also a great substitute for any dish that calls for couscous, which is often considered pasta.

Orzo can be enjoyed al dente (with a bite) or soft, depending on who's enjoying it and how you're serving it. Wondering how much orzo per person? A serving is about ⅓ c uncooked, as long as the pasta is the “main” component. Plan on ¼ cup orzo per person if adding to a soup or making a pasta salad with lots of mix-ins.

For two servings, measure approximately 1/2 cup of uncooked orzo. Be sure to adjust the quantity based on your desired portion size. Add the orzo to the boiling water and give it a quick stir to prevent sticking. Allow the orzo to cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until it reaches the desired level of tenderness.

One serving of cooked pasta is typically 1 to 1 1/2 cups, but keep in mind that you'll likely be bulking up your dish with sauce and other extras like veggies or proteins. To determine how many cups to measure, home cooks can use Barilla's handy chart.

Orzo to Water Ratio

Generally it is 1 cup of uncooked orzo to 2 cups of water or broth. There is typically liquid left over after cooking that needs to be drained before using.